Edward Marvin O'Brien
Private Edward M. O’Brien served with Easy Company, Second Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was killed in action at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 10 November 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 336947
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
July 25, 1924
at Saginaw, MI
Parents
William James O’Brien
Amy Patricia (Parkin) O’Brien
divorced 1930
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Details unknown
Service Life
Entered Service
December 16, 1941
at Detroit, MI
Home Of Record
12151 Benjamin Street
Grand Rapids, MI
Next Of Kin
Mr. Richard Newton
(Legal Guardian)
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
E/2/2nd Marines
Campaigns Served
Solomon Islands / Guadalcanal
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Private Edward O’Brien served with Easy Company, 2nd Marines during the Guadalcanal campaign.
On the morning of 10 November 1942 – the Marine Corps birthday – the 2nd Marines launched an attack against Japanese positions to the west of Point Cruz. Despite a heavy mortar and artillery preparation, the Marines faced “stubborn resistance from Japanese MG and mortar fire all along the front.” Casualties were heavy in the First and Second Battalions, especially in E/2/2.
Private Daniel McCarthy described the day’s events:
“We were on a patrol in enemy territory. Suddenly a Jap machine gun let loose about 30 yards away. One of the bullets caught me in the hand. It was an explosive bullet that explodes when it hits. I consider myself pretty lucky – only seven of the boys escaped being wounded, and several of them were killed.”
The Marines reached their objective by evening and set about accounting for their casualties. Easy Company suffered four killed and four missing during the day’s attack. Private O’Brien was among those killed outright; due to battle conditions, his remains could not be recovered from the field.
Burial Information or Disposition
Not recovered.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of guardian, Mr. Richard Newton.
Private O’Brien’s mother lived at 807 North Bond Street, Saginaw.
Location Of Loss
Private O’Brien’s battalion was engaged in action near Guadalcanal’s Poha River.
